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INSURANCE companies are offering the best deals in the mortgage market.

The Sun Alliance fix also includes the offer of free solicitors' services if Sun Alliance solicitors are used. The valuation fee of pounds 125 on purchases is about half the cost that many other lenders will charge. A pounds 50 valuation charge is payable on remortages, but this is refunded if the mortgage is taken up.

The Stroud & Swindon Building Society discounted variable rate applies for 12 months for 90 per cent advances on purchases and 75 per cent advances on remortgages. Building insurance is compulsory.

The Legal & General capped mortgage is discounted by 1 per cent until February next year - bringing down the current variable rate from 7.89 per cent to 6.89 per cent.